quitar
/kiˈtaɾ/
To remove in Spanish is quitar.
The verb quitar is used to mean to discard, set aside or to take something away from a position or surface. It is also frequently used in medical contexts to describe the physical removal of things like bandages or body parts, such as teeth.
Meaning: to discard, set aside (verb)
Which one should you use?
While quitar can mean to discard or set aside, it is most commonly used to mean taking something away or removing it from a surface. If you wish to indicate removal by taking or pulling something out, you might instead use sacar.
How does it change in a sentence?
quitar is a regular -ar verb, meaning it follows standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ar in the present tense, such as quito, quitas and quita.
How do you pronounce it?
/kiˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use quitar when you mean to delete a digital file or text. In those cases, use borrar instead. quitar implies the physical act of moving or taking something away from a specific spot.
Did you know?
- While quitar means to remove, the phrase quitarse el sueño literally means 'to remove one's sleep' but is used to describe being so worried or excited that you cannot sleep.
- The Spanish verb quitar shares an ancestral root with the English words 'quit' and 'quiet'. They all trace back to the idea of being free from a burden or being at rest.
- While quitar means to remove, it can also mean 'to steal' in certain Spanish-speaking contexts, such as 'quitar algo a alguien' meaning 'to take something from someone'.
Examples in context
- La mancha de café era difícil de quitar.The coffee stain was difficult to remove.This sentence shows the use of quitar regarding a stain.Tatoeba #683160 by Shishir, translation #62254 by CM
- La bruma del parabrisas era imposible de quitar.The haze on his windshield was impossible to remove.This sentence shows the use of quitar regarding haze on a surface.Tatoeba #10532109 by Seael, translation #8988129 by mccarras
- Vamos a tener que quitarle las muelas del juicio. Ahora mismo.We're going to have to remove your wisdom teeth. Right now.This sentence shows the use of quitar in a medical context for removing teeth.Tatoeba #840668 by Shishir, translation #834843 by FeuDRenais2
- Es necesario remover la mancha del mantel.It's necessary to remove the stain from the tablecloth.
- Voy a quitar el cuadro de la pared.I'm going to remove the painting from the wall.
- El médico me quitó los puntos de la cirugía.The doctor removed the stitches from my surgery.
- Quita el plato de la mesa.Remove the plate from the table.
- Saca la basura del contenedor.Take out the trash from the bin.
- Me gustaría sacarme los zapatos antes de entrar.I would like to remove my shoes before entering.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are cleaning the living room.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿puedes quitar los cojines del sofá?Lucía, can you remove the cushions from the sofa?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, yo los quito ahora mismo.Yes, Alejandro, I will remove them right now.
- AlejandroGracias, también quiero quitar la alfombra.Thanks, I also want to remove the rug.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo te ayudo con eso.Perfect, I will help you with that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry quitar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quitar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
